Kalkberg, Artificial mountain in Cologne, Germany
Kalkberg is an artificial mountain in northwestern Cologne that rises about 32 meters above the surrounding terrain and reaches a total elevation of 79 meters above sea level. Its entire surface is covered with a 50-centimeter clay layer that prevents water from carrying potential contaminants into the groundwater system.
The mountain was created from industrial waste of the Chemical Factory Kalk, with its formation ending in 1972 before the first German Waste Act was implemented. Decades of deposited chemical production residues gradually shaped this unusual landscape feature.
The site has become a gathering place for graffiti artists who regularly create murals and organize events on its designated legal walls. Creatives from across the city are drawn to this location, turning it into a vibrant hub for street art expression.
The hill is easily accessible from the streets of northwestern Cologne, and visitors can walk up the slope to explore the site on foot. The clay surface can become slippery, particularly after rain, so sturdy footwear and caution are advisable.
Local residents humorously called it the 'Kalker Alps' in early winters when snow covered its bare surface, creating an amusing contrast. This nickname stuck as a reminder of how unexpected a snow-covered industrial hill could look in the city.
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